Cover Letters

An effective cover letter will: demonstrate your understanding of the organization; describe how you can meet their needs; provide a specific follow up step that you will take. The cover letter should not be a simple reiteration of what has already been stated in your resume and each letter needs to be customized for a particular organization and/or job.

Here is the basic formula for a cover letter:

Standard business letter address format

Salutation to a real person, not "To whom it may concern"

First paragraph: Why you are interested in the position and what company needs can you fill

Second paragraph: Briefly state two or three top skills and follow with the benefits these features can provide the company

Third paragraph: Outline a specific action you will take to follow up the letter